A man who studied radiation to live in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, his obsession for his hometown

The story of a man who studied the field of radiation to enter the exclusion zone established after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in Ukraine, and eventually received official residence permission as a power plant observation technician, has been revealed. The video highlights the feelings of residents who had to leave their hometowns and various cases that were prohibited in history.

A man who returned to his hometown Chernobyl, risking radiation danger

Following the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986, the area within a 30km radius of the power plant, where radioactive waste is buried, was designated as an exclusion zone. Due to this accident, approximately 100,000 residents of Chernobyl at the time are unable to return to their hometown. Yevgeny Markevich, who appears in the video, is a resident who worked as a teacher in Chernobyl before the accident.

Markevich attempted to stay in his hometown several times by infiltrating the exclusion zone disguised as a scientist or police officer. To realize his desire to return home, he studied the field of radiation himself. Eventually, he received official residence permission as a power plant observation technician, and he currently lives in Chernobyl growing vegetables and participating in ecological experiments.

Saudi women allowed to drive and the ban on songs in Afghanistan

In history, there are also cases that were prohibited due to social changes and political decisions. Saudi Arabia allowed women to drive for the first time in about 90 years since the founding of the nation. This was part of the reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economic structure and improve the lives of citizens. Previously in Saudi Arabia, incidents occurred where women were arrested for driving or caught driving while wearing men's clothing.

On the other hand, in Afghanistan, a measure to ban girls aged 12 and older from singing at public events was recently issued, causing controversy. The Ministry of Education cited interference with studies and the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 as reasons, but human rights organizations and women's groups strongly criticized this. In response, people in Afghanistan responded by asserting their right to sing through the '#ImMySong' hashtag movement. As the controversy grew, the Ministry of Education withdrew the ban on the condition that family permission must be obtained.

The forbidden dance Tango and the Nazi favorite song Lili Marleen

Cases that were prohibited for cultural reasons were also introduced. Tango, a symbol of Argentina, was a target of prohibition and contempt by the upper class and the Pope in the early 19th century because the movements of men and women dancing closely were considered lewd. However, as Tango became popular and was recognized as an art form in Paris, Europe, the Argentine upper class re-imported it, and Tango became a national icon.

The song 'Lili Marleen', which was popular among Nazi troops during World War II, was also prohibited by the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. The reason given was that the song stimulated nostalgia for hometowns among soldiers, thereby lowering morale. However, due to strong protests from the soldiers, the ban was eventually lifted.

Niihau Island, Hawaii, a forbidden land preserved by the Robinson family's promise

Finally, Niihau Island in Hawaii strictly limits access by outsiders despite requests for visits from celebrities. Since 1864, this island, which is the private property of the Robinson family, has been known to have rejected visit requests from famous figures such as Mick Jagger from England. This is because the Robinson family, which received a promise from the King of Hawaii 150 years ago to protect the indigenous people and traditions, is fulfilling it. Niihau Island is currently maintained as a space to preserve the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people and endangered flora and fauna.